Chichester cycle lanes: County council responds following backlash

New temporary cycle lanes in Chichester have proved a contentious topic for residents as many have branded them 'a waste of time a money'.
'Traffic wants' along Oaklands Way and up to the Northgate gyratory'Traffic wants' along Oaklands Way and up to the Northgate gyratory
'Traffic wants' along Oaklands Way and up to the Northgate gyratory

Readers of the Observer have been sharing their view on the routes, one of which runs from Spitalfield Lane through to the railway station, and a number of others have written letters to this newspaper to call out what some have described as 'a waste of time and money'.

Readers react to new cycle lane in ChichesterA West Sussex County Council spokesman said the cycleway is nearing completion and so cannot be fairly assessed yet.

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They responded to concerns about provisons for emergency service vehicles and reassured residents that they had been consulted.

Chichester cycle lane: ‘It’s about time we reviewed how we travel about’A West Sussex County Council spokesperson said: “The Chichester temporary cycleway is nearing completion but cannot be fairly assessed yet as a key element – the 20mph limit – has not been introduced. This will be done soon.

“Once open, the cycleway will be closely monitored to ensure it is having a positive impact on local travel: this will include how well used it is by cyclists and any positive or negative impact on congestion, safety and air quality. Adjustments will be considered, if necessary.

Plans for new cycle route through Chichester welcomed“We consulted with the emergency services and bus operators before the route was introduced. We continue that dialogue and to work with them to consider their needs. I can confirm we have had no reports of issues, to date.

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“The Government is encouraging councils to create safe spaces to help sustainable travel, building on the significant increase in active travel seen during lockdown.

Chichester cycle scheme a ‘pointless eyesore’ – could money be better spent?“The seven temporary cycleway schemes in West Sussex, of which Chichester’s is one, are trials, paid for by the Government, that aim to redistribute road space and put cycling on a par with car traffic. This is an important step to encourage more active travel and less reliance on the car.”

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